2010 Ducati Multistrada 1200 S Touring
At the end of my BMW R1200 GS review, I mentioned the eagerly awaited launch of the new 2010 Ducati Multistrada 1200. Well it was released for testing at an ideal location with rugged and varied terrain. Lanzarote on the Canary Islands was the chosen location. These islands are located west of the coast of Morocco and provided an ideal location to check out the revolutionary, electronically selectable, four mode ride by wire riding modes, hence the Ducati claim that the Mulistrada is four bikes in one. The new electronic wizardry has four pre-set selection modes of, SPORT, TOURING, URBAN and ENDURO, but more of this later. First let us list the models and prices:
The base version of the Multistrada 1200 comes in at £10,995.00 and has DUCATI TRACTION CONTROL (DTC), optional ABS rings in at £11695.00 . The top of the range models are the1200 S SPORT and the 1200 S TOURING, these have all the whistle and bells and cost £14395.00. So the top of the range trick versions are priced firmly in competition to the BMW1200 GS and the KTM990 SMT.
The model under review here is the Multistrada 1200 S TOURING, which comes complete with all the gizmo's, panniers, centre stand, heated grips and manually adjusted screen. The four in one ride-by-wire idea is based on the Ducati Electronic Suspension (DES), and the bike's powerplant is an 1198cc L-twin and is a detuned version of the 1198 World Superbike engine. It produces 150 HP and 87.5 lb- ft of torque, and the new Multistrada's torque output is so robust that below 6,500 RPM it actually exceeds the torque of the Superbike from which it was derived. Service intervals on this engine have been increased to 15,000 miles for valve clearance checks and cam belt changes. The desmodromically valved engine mates to a six speed box and a slipper clutch and the dual seat is 33.46 inches tall, ( a lower accessory seat is available, measuring 32.48 inches). The electronics also boast's a keyless ignition system utilising a wireless transponder system, and the bike has a digital dash display with everything from a gear indicator and DES mode setting (on S models), to fuel economy, ambient temperature, average speed, and more.
Okay, more on the ride-by-wire four in one selections. Any one of the four modes ( SPORT, TOURING, URBAN and ENDURO) can be selected using the indicator kill switch. The Menu and Modes selected are displayed in the Hi-Tech display console. It all sounds a bit baffling, but after a few miles riding and operating the system, it becomes very easy. Also included in the ride-by-wire technology is the throttle operation, this along with the four in one modes are managed by the bike's ECU. Let us look at what these four different modes mean in reality.
The genius underlying the efficient and effective use of the four modes is the clever electronically operated DES preload and rebound which is effected via Ohlins suspension units. Throttle response also alters with each Mode and Suspension change. SPORT mode makes full use of the 150 hp with sharp throttle response, the crisper delivery gives noticeable urgency and a blisteringly fast ride with sports bike type handling. Switch to TOURING, let out the low effort clutch, and the Multistrada is only slightly less urgent giving a smoother and softer ride, more on a par with a tourer, torque and thrust is abundant and immediate. The URBAN MODE cuts power to 100 HP, bumps DTC to 6 and further softens suspension, this provides for more delicate riding situations necessary for slow moving and traffic congested roads. Need to "get off road" ? ENDURO mode raises the bike's rear suspension for extra clearance, allows for 100 HP, and makes power slides possible with a DTC setting of 2. It is easy to switch between these four pre-set modes, but by digging deeper into the menus enables highly specific customization. Horsepower can be varied, and you can assign numerical preload and rebound settings to the front and rear suspension, and save any combination in the bike's computer. It is easy to revert to default settings.
Braking hardware is shared with the 848 Superbike. The front brakes are comprised of dual 320mm rotors, each clamped by a radial mount Brembo caliper and powered via a radial master cylinder. A solo 245mm disc and twin piston caliper keeps the rear wheel speed in check. Both brakes operate through steel braided brake lines and the brakes performance is top drawer. ABS is a Bosch-Brembo engineered system.
The Multistrada rolls on 17" 10 spoke cast Aluminium wheels, and are fitted with tailor made Pirelli ScorpionTrails tyres. It is these tailor made tyres in combination with the ENDURO setting that offers the rider very reasonable off road riding potential. A dry plate slipper clutch does induce some rattle at certain rev speeds, but with it's super light lever operation this tends to be a minor niggle.
In summing up it is fair to say that Ducati have probably redefined the benchmark for adventure touring type bikes. The high maintenance costs usually associated with Ducati's have been addressed with this bike and Ducati claim that the first years maintenance costs are on a par with their competitors, and in the years thereafter maintenance costs are lower than their competitors. Valve checks and cam belt changes have been made easy and only need to be done every 15000 miles, so a job for the DIY mechanics?
So is the Multistrada, as claimed by Ducati, four bikes in one?...probably not, but it is certainly a big....no HUGE bike. It is mainstream enough for any rider to appreciate, yet still retains that wild,rip roaring Superbike pedigree that we know and love.
Comments from some of the testers at the Lanzarote test day are shown below:
Kevin Ash ( Ash On Bikes): "The Multistrada 1200 S absolutely rocks. It's searingly fast, laden with torque, handles superbly, the electronics not only work they're extremely useful, it's comfortable, characterful, beautifully made,and one of the most exciting motorcycles you can buy. If you have placed an order already- lucky you!
Adam Waheed (Motorcycle USA) "I quickly realised it ( Multistrada 1200 S) was everything I thought it would be and then some. With the tap of a button it's as sporty or as docile as you desire, it's in it's element blasting around a corner with engine roaring at lean, or just quietly soaking up the countryside on a backwoods highway. The Multi somehow manages to be both comfortable and sporty, plus has realistic cargo capacity when you feel the need for adventure coming on".
Phil West (Motorcycle News): "Overall the Multistrada is an astonishingly well thought out, detailed and well equipped bike. Everything from the luggage system to the mirrors is effective and clever. Underneath the nice details and touches is a bike that is part old Multistrada in terms of feel and rider position, part Ducati 1198 in terms of engine performance, and part BMW GS in terms of practicality and versatility. My experience with the Multistrada 1200 suggests that it could be the new benchmark for the class"
Other contributions that helped to make up my review were test results published on the Web, Ducati press release and information received from Ducati Dealerships. The opinions and comments not specifically attributed are my own opinions and beliefs and not necessarily those held by Ducati or there representatives. The comments and figures published are true to the best of my knowledge and belief but should not be relied upon as statement of fact.
MY JUDGEMENT.....The Multistrada 1200 S Touring seems to do exactly what it says on the tin, and I WANT ONE!
POST SCRIPT: By courtesy of Paul at my local Ducati Dealership...RED DOG MOTORCYCLES, CRANBOURNE ROAD, POTTERS BAR, HERTFORDSHIRE. I was loaned a New Multistrada 1200 S and under firm instructions by Paul to go and have FUN, I set off and carried out my very own road test. Whilst it confirmed my view that this is not four bikes in one, it certainly confirmed all that has been stated above and has strengthened my conviction that this is a bike I must own one day. It really does cross borders from Sport, to touring, to Commuter bike, and being so light and handling so brilliantly, it really is the only bike you need in your garage....thanks Paul, I sure did have fun...and I STILL WANT ONE.....
Syd Dore (Easyrider) - 16th of April 2010
